Process for preparing pyrophoric foam granules

Abstract

The present invention is directed to preparing pyrophoric foam granules having a specific infrared signature comprising the steps of (a) mixing a composition comprising a metal salt, carbohydrate, and wetting agent into a homogenous paste, (b) extruding the composition into strands, (c) cutting or spheronizing the strands into a predetermined size or length based on a specific thermal or infrared response to produce pyrophoric foam granules and (d) activating the granules by heating the composition at elevated temperatures under an inert or reducing atmosphere until the matrix is carbonized and the metal salt is reduced.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for making pyrophoric foam granules spheres comprising:
 mixing iron oxalate, flour and water to form a homogenous mixture wherein the ratio of iron oxalate to flour is 2:1 by weight; and 
 extruding the homogenous mixture into strands; 
 spheronizing the strands into spheres having a predetermined size, wherein the size provides a specific infrared signature; and 
 reducing the iron oxalate embedded in the spheres into pyrophoric particles and carbonizing the flour by exposing the spheres to temperatures between 400 degrees Celsius and 800 degrees Celsius under an inert atmosphere.